Dangerous noise levels Central Line Stratford to Leyton
Request ID: FOI-2746-2324 Date published: 27 November 2023
You asked
Noise levels in the central line between Stratford and Leyton regularly exceed safe levels, well over 115db and likely to be damaging passenger and driver hearing
1. Can you please share what independent noise testing is carried out and with what frequency?
2. What were the results of the latest testing of this section of the line?
3. What mitigation is planned and by when?
We answered
TfL Ref: 2746-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 1 November 2023 asking for information about noise levels on London Underground’s Central line from Stratford to Leyton.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked about the following:
Noise levels in the central line between Stratford and Leyton regularly exceed safe levels, well over 115db and likely to be damaging passenger and driver hearing
Can you please share what independent noise testing is carried out and with what frequency?
TfL uses an internal Noise and Vibration team to carry out our noise monitoring in Train Operator cabs, as passenger carriages do not form part of this work.
However, whilst the resource is internal, they are held to a professional Code of Conduct and work to stringent guidelines. The equipment used by our team are of the Class One variety and regularly calibrated. The periodicity is set for every two months.
What were the results of the latest testing of this section of the line
Our Noise and Vibration Team conducted a recent survey in a passenger carriage with respect to a new Passenger Information System for the Central line 1992 Tube Stock trains, as part of the Central Line Improvement Programme. The attached report provides a summary of the acoustic data obtained during a test run between Ruislip Gardens and Hainault stations.
In accordance with TfL’s obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), some personal data has been removed from this publication, as required by section 40 of the FOI. This is because disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the legislation, specifically the first principle of the GDPR, which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions which would make the processing ‘fair’. This exemption to the right of access to information is an absolute exemption and not subject to an assessment of whether the public interest favours use of the exemption
What mitigation is planned and by when?
The primary tool available to TfL is the use of a grinding train, which helps to smooth the rails, and it is through this process that the levels experienced here are reduced for a period of time. Regretfully, the rail roughness returns, which means over time the levels start to increase. This site is known to TfL and their Engineering team who are currently investigating the matter are seeking ways of improving the condition
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
